Donald J. Trump was endorsed by Veterans for a Strong America, the leading organization of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with more than 500,000 veterans nationwide. Mr. Trump was joined by VSA Chairman Joel Arends and more than a thousand vets aboard the USS Iowa (BB 61) on Tuesday night in California.

Trump said, “I am honored to receive the endorsement of this fantastic group. I have always felt our veterans are our most important people and I hate to see how they are treated like third class citizens. If I win I am going to get our vets the care they need, treatment they deserve, and make America and our military great again!”

Joel Arends, a Major in the United States Army Reserve, was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. During the 2012 presidential election cycle, VSA did not endorse a candidate for the presidency until after the primary season was concluded and major party nominees were selected. For the 2016 presidential election cycle, VSA has endorsed Donald J. Trump well in advance of the conclusion of the primary season.